Product Liability Lawyer Blog
Our Boston injury lawyers understand that no patient can make an informed consent about the risks they face in taking a medication if they are not told of known side effects.
A recent article in the La Crosse Tribune discusses the ongoing lawsuit by NFL players against the NFL organization related to the ways players were allegedly given powerful medication with little or no medical oversight.
According to reports, the players would be sitting in their seats on flights home from games, and the trainers wanted them to hold up fingers to show how many narcotic pills they wanted to dull the pain. These pill included Vicodin, Percocet, and a variety of other narcotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
The plaintiffs claim there were never any physical examinations or questions asked, other than the number of pills needed. There was never a written prescription or any warnings pertaining to addiction or side effects of the drugs. They always came in white envelopes, according to players, and never in bottles.
After an initial examination by the FDA and DEA into these practices, the teams were alleged to have made the players see a doctor. But it was treated as more of a formality than any real attempt to regulate the distribution of painkillers. The plaintiffs further assert that they were given these medications so they could go out on the field and play, even though they were suffering from injuries.
Vicodin and other narcotic painkillers should be used sparingly, as they have been shown to be addictive and can lead to health problems, including liver disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs, can lead to several stomach problems and internal bleeding if taken for extended for periods of time. These side effects should be told to patients and listed on warnings giving to the patients.
It has also been reported that authorities are beginning to look into the possibility of criminal charges for dispensing a controlled substance without a prescription.
While NFL players are not exactly typical plaintiffs in a dangerous drug lawsuit, many of the same issues are faced by a typical plaintiff. One of the common claims of liability in a dangerous drugs lawsuit is that the defendant did not adequately warn patients of dangerous side effects.
For example, many diabetics were prescribed Actos, which is a medication marketed as a way to reduce blood sugar. After taking the drug, many patients developed bladder cancer. Based upon documents filed in these lawsuits, the drug manufacturers knew or should of known that bladder cancer was a potential side effect and did not warn patients or physicians. The drug companies continued to turn record profits, while people were getting cancer.
If you are the victim of a defective drug in Boston, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment: (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
New information shed on NFL drug lawsuit July 18, 2014, La Crosse Tribune
More Blog Entries:
Topamax Survivors: Cleft Palate Treatment Approved, January 19, 2014, Boston Dangerous Durg Attorney Blog